Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby bestowed the tribe’s highest honor to five prestigious Chickasaw citizens Thursday, April 20.
Inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame were Linda Briggs, Amanda Cobb-Greetham, Benjamin Horace Colbert, Carl Edwards and Sue Fish. Colbert was honored posthumously. The hall of fame ceremony was celebrated at the historic McSwain Theatre in downtown Ada, Oklahoma.
Lona Barrick, Chickasaw Nation Executive Officer of Cultural Tourism, served as master of ceremonies. The honorees are:
Linda Briggs
“Linda’s entrepreneurial spirit and determination led her to establish a successful home remodeling and makeover business in Marietta,” Governor Anoatubby said. He cited her collaboration with Chickasaw Nation leadership to play a pivotal role in the development of a Critical Access Hospital and emergency medical system covering 522 square miles and providing essential health care to those in need.
Mrs. Briggs served the Chickasaw Nation Legislature with distinction, Governor Anoatubby said, fulfilling four terms as chair and five as secretary. Her leadership was instrumental in the formation of the Chickasaw Tribal Utility Authority, a multimillion-dollar operation supporting tribal facilities, he noted.
“Linda’s unwavering commitment to her community and Chickasaw Nation is further exemplified by her service in numerous roles, including Marietta city treasurer, city council member, board of education member and her involvement in various Chickasaw Nation boards.
“Linda Briggs, today we honor you for your many years of dedicated service and impactful leadership, and we thank you for all you have done for the Chickasaw Nation and Chickasaw people,” Governor Anoatubby said.
Amanda Cobb-Greetham
Governor Anoatubby praised Mrs. Cobb-Greetham, saying she has spent her award-winning career as an educator, researcher, author, administrator and purveyor of Chickasaw and First American history and culture.
She currently serves as professor and director of the Native Nations Center at the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman. Dr. Cobb-Greetham has spent years studying and promoting First American people and nations.
At OU, she was an integral force in the elevation of the university’s Native American Studies program and the establishment of the recently endowed Native Nations Center, Governor Anoatubby told a capacity audience attending the special ceremony.
Selected 2018’s Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year, Mrs. Cobb-Greetham’s importance to the creation and launch of the Chickasaw Cultural Center in 2010 was immeasurable. She accomplished this feat while serving as administrator of the Chickasaw Nation History and Culture Division. She began this task in 2007 and served until 2012. She is an author, researcher and has been praised by peers and organizations nationally.
Governor Anoatubby praised Mrs. Cobb-Greetham’s immense contributions to First American nations and her service on the board of the Harvard Honoring Nations project. She also served on the board of directors for the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian.
“We are grateful for Dr. Cobb-Greetham’s service and leadership on behalf of the Chickasaw Nation and First American nations throughout the country,” Governor Anoatubby said.
Benjamin Horace Colbert
The only hall of famer to be inducted posthumously, Mr. Colbert devoted his life to service of his country and to the Chickasaw Nation, bravely serving in every battle during the Spanish-American War under the command of Col. Theodore Roosevelt.
Following the war, Mr. Colbert proudly served the Chickasaw Nation, first as secretary to Governor Douglas H. Johnston and later as an appointed member of Governor Johnston’s cabinet. He also served as national agent for the Chickasaws and in the Chickasaw Senate, Governor Anoatubby said.
Soon after his election as President of the United States in 1901, Roosevelt selected Mr. Colbert to become the youngest U.S. Marshal and first First American ever to serve the Southern District of Indian Territory. He served in both World Wars in noncombat positions.
“His life of service and servant leadership personifies our Chickasaw values, and we recognize his accomplishments and contributions to the United States and Chickasaw Nation history,” Governor Anoatubby proclaimed.
Carl Edwards
As the Chickasaw founder of Price Edwards Henderson & Co., Mr. Edwards is widely acclaimed as an astute businessman and generous community leader, Governor Anoatubby said. Under Mr. Edwards’ leadership, the business – known now as Price Edwards & Co. – is the largest commercial real estate service in Oklahoma. Mr. Edward also serves as manager of PEC Investment Properties LLC, which is an affiliate of the business he founded.
“A prime example of servant leadership, Carl has unselfishly used his success in business and position as a respected leader to champion for the progress and vitality of his community, serving on several important business and civic organizations,” Governor Anoatubby said.
Mr. Edwards has served as president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Business Roundtable; chairman of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian Health Foundation; chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce; chairman of The United Way of Metro Oklahoma City; chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area Public Schools Trust, among many others.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Carl has earned numerous accolades and awards, including OKCityan of the Year in 2011; King of the Beaux Arts Society; the prestigious Dean A. McGee Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013; and Man of the Year by the Commercial Real Estate Council in 2017. We recognize Carl’s career and service with induction in the Chickasaw Hall of Fame,” Governor Anoatubby added.
Sue Fish
Master basket weaver and acclaimed artist, Sue Fish has “continued the ancient Chickasaw custom of servant leadership but also cultural expression through traditional art,” Governor Anoatubby said. “Throughout her career, she has taken on and succeeded in leadership roles that advance First American peoples and cultures.”
Mrs. Fish began working for Governor Anoatubby in 1981 as a special assistant when he was Lt. Governor and later, in 1987, when he was elected Governor.
Mrs. Fish served as managerial associate for OU’s American Indian Institute, a position she served in for 17 years.
Currently she serves as administrative manager for the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City “where she works to proudly showcase the diverse and vibrant cultures of Oklahoma’s tribes,” Governor Anoatubby pointed out.
“Sue has turned her passion for basketmaking, for which she has won several awards, into a passion for preserving and perpetuating the centuries-old art form, teaching and sharing her skill with others through classes at schools, universities, community events and more,” Governor Anoatubby said. “Her beautiful creations have been featured in books and on film, and have been displayed at numerous galleries.”
In 2016, Mrs. Fish received the prestigious Chickasaw Nation Silver Feather Award for preserving and revitalizing Chickasaw basketry and for her contribution to Chickasaw culture.
“We honor Sue Fish’s passion and dedication to the advancement and preservation of Chickasaw culture and arts,” Governor Anoatubby added.